Hydraulic pressure control unit, braking system, and bicycle

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic pressure control unit where a degree of freedom in connection to a bicycle is improved is provided. A braking system including such a hydraulic pressure control unit is also provided. A bicycle including such a braking system is also provided. 
     A hydraulic pressure control unit ( 110 ) of a braking system mounted on a bicycle and capable of executing an antilock braking control includes a base body ( 120 ), a coil casing ( 136 ) in which an inlet valve and an outlet valve are accommodated, and a fixing member ( 139 ). The fixing member ( 139 ) is joined to the coil casing ( 136 ) or the base body ( 120 ) in a state where a columnar space ( 155 ) with both ends opened is formed between a partial region of an outer surface of the coil casing ( 136 ) or the base body ( 120 ) and a partial region of an outer surface of the fixing member ( 139 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hydraulic pressure control unit of abraking system capable of executing an antilock braking control, abraking system including the hydraulic pressure control unit, and abicycle including the braking system.

There is a conventional bicycle which includes a braking system capableof executing an antilock braking control. The braking system includes ahydraulic pressure control unit for changing the hydraulic pressure ofbrake fluid in a wheel braking part. The hydraulic pressure control unithas a base body in which an internal flow path is formed, and an inletvalve and an outlet valve which are attached to the base body and openedand closed when the antilock braking control is executed (e.g., see WO2017/115171).

In the conventional bicycle, first, one end of an adapter is joined to abicycle and a hydraulic pressure control unit is joined to the other endof the adapter, so that the hydraulic pressure control unit is joined tothe bicycle. In such a case, due to the intervention of the adapter, theprotruding amount of the hydraulic pressure control unit from thebicycle increases. Further, it may be difficult to connect the hydraulicpressure control unit to the bicycle while securing protection anddesign.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-describedproblem, and an object thereof is to provide a hydraulic pressurecontrol unit where a degree of freedom in connection to a bicycle isimproved. Further, an object of the present invention is to provide abraking system including such a hydraulic pressure control unit.Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycleincluding such a braking system.

The present invention is directed to a hydraulic pressure control unitof a braking system mounted on a bicycle and capable of executing anantilock braking control. The hydraulic pressure control unit includes abase body in which an internal flow path through which brake liquidflows is formed; an inlet valve which is attached to the base body, isopened and closed when the antilock braking control is executed, and isdriven by a first coil; an outlet valve which is attached to the basebody, is opened and closed when the antilock braking control isexecuted, and is driven by a second coil; a coil casing in which thefirst coil and the second coil are accommodated; and a fixing member.The fixing member is joined to the coil casing in a state where acolumnar space with both ends opened is formed between a partial regionof an outer surface of the coil casing and a partial region of an outersurface of the fixing member, or the fixing member is joined to the basebody in a state where a columnar space with both ends opened is formedbetween a partial region of an outer surface of the base body and thepartial region of the outer surface of the fixing member.

The present invention is also directed to a braking system including thehydraulic pressure control unit defined above.

The present invention is also directed to a bicycle including thebraking system defined above.

In the hydraulic pressure control unit, the braking system, and thebicycle according to the present invention, the fixing member is joinedto the coil casing in a state where a columnar space with both endsopened is formed between a partial region of an outer surface of thecoil casing and a partial region of an outer surface of the fixingmember, or the fixing member is joined to the base body in a state wherea columnar space with both ends opened is formed between a partialregion of an outer surface of the base body and the partial region ofthe outer surface of the fixing member. That is, in a state where thefixing member is joined to the coil casing or the base body, thecolumnar space with both ends opened is formed between a partial regionof an outer surface of the coil casing or the base body and a partialregion of an outer surface of the fixing member. The hydraulic pressurecontrol unit is joined to the bicycle by using the columnar space.Therefore, as compared with the case where one end of an adapter isjoined to a bicycle and a hydraulic pressure control unit is joined tothe other end of the adapter, it is possible to suppress the hydraulicpressure control unit from protruding from the bicycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a bicycle on whicha braking system according to an embodiment of the present invention ismounted;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the braking systemaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hydraulic pressure control unit of thebraking system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the hydraulic pressure control unit of thebraking system according to the embodiment of the present invention in astate where a fifth surface of a base body is viewed from the front;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base body of the hydraulic pressurecontrol unit of the braking system according to the embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base body of the hydraulic pressurecontrol unit of the braking system according to the embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a connection state of the hydraulicpressure control unit of the braking system according to the embodimentof the present invention to the bicycle; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification of the hydraulicpressure control unit of the braking system according to the embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a hydraulic pressure control unit, a braking system, and abicycle according to the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

Meanwhile, in the following, the case where a braking system accordingto the present invention is mounted on a normal bicycle is described.However, the braking system according to the present invention may bemounted on another bicycle such as an electric-assisted bicycle or anelectric bicycle. Meanwhile, a bicycle means a general vehicle in whicha propulsion force can be generated by a user providing a pedal effortto a pedal. Further, the normal bicycle means a bicycle in which apropulsion force is obtained by only a pedal effort provided by a user.Further, the electric-assisted bicycle means a bicycle which has afunction of assisting a pedal effort provided by a user with an electricmotor. Further, the electric bicycle means a bicycle which has afunction of obtaining a propulsion force by only an electric motor.

Further, the configuration, operation, and the like described below areexamples, and a hydraulic pressure control unit, a braking system, and abicycle according to the present invention are not limited to the caseof such configuration, operation, and the like. For example, in thefollowing, the case where the hydraulic pressure control unit accordingto the present invention is a pump-less type is described. However, thehydraulic pressure control unit according to the present invention mayhave a pump to assist the flow of brake fluid. Further, in thefollowing, the case where a braking system according to the presentinvention executes an antilock braking control for only a braking forcegenerated in a front wheel is described. However, the braking systemaccording to the present invention may execute an antilock brakingcontrol for only a braking force generated in a rear wheel or mayexecute an antilock braking control for both a braking force generatedin a front wheel and a braking force generated in a rear wheel.

Further, in each of the drawings, the same or similar members or partsare denoted by the same reference numerals or the reference numeralsthereof are omitted. Further, for the detailed structure, illustrationis simplified or omitted as appropriate. Further, duplicatedexplanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate.

EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a braking system according to an embodiment will bedescribed.

<Mounting of Braking System onto Bicycle>

Mounting of a braking system according to an embodiment onto a bicyclewill be described.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a bicycle on whicha braking system according to an embodiment of the present invention ismounted. Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 shows a case where a bicycle 200 isa two-wheeled vehicle, the bicycle 200 may be another bicycle such as athree-wheeled vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle 200 includes a frame 1, a turning part10, a saddle 21, a pedal 22, a rear wheel 23, and a rear wheel brakingpart 24.

For example, the frame 1 has a head tube 1A pivotally supporting asteering column 11 of the turning part 10, a top tube 1B and a down tube1C joined to the head tube 1A, a seat tube 1D joined to the top tube 1Band the down tube 1C and holding the saddle 21, and a stay 1E joined toupper and lower ends of the seat tube 1D and holding the rear wheel 23and the rear wheel braking part 24.

The turning part 10 includes the steering column 11, a handle stem 12held by the steering column 11, a handle bar 13 held by the handle stem12, a braking operation part 14 attached to the handle bar 13, a frontfork 15 joined to the steering column 11, a front wheel 16 rotatablyheld by the front fork 15, and a front wheel braking part 17. The frontfork 15 is a member that has one end joined to the steering column 11and the other end extending on both sides of the front wheel 16 andreaching the rotation center of the front wheel 16.

The braking operation part 14 includes a mechanism used as an operationpart of the front wheel braking part 17 and a mechanism used as anoperation part of the rear wheel braking part 24. For example, themechanism used as an operation part of the front wheel braking part 17is disposed on the right end side of the handle bar 13, and themechanism used as an operation part of the rear wheel braking part 24 isdisposed on the left end side of the handle bar 13.

A hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is joined to the front fork 15 ofthe turning part 10. The hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is a unitresponsible for controlling the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid in thefront wheel braking part 17. Meanwhile, the rear wheel braking part 24may be a type of a braking part that generates a braking force byincreasing the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid or may be a type of abraking part that mechanically generates a braking force (for example, atype of a braking part that generates a braking force by generating atension on a wire, etc.).

For example, a power supply unit 180 serving as a power supply of thehydraulic pressure control unit 110 is attached to the down tube 1C ofthe frame 1. The power supply unit 180 may be a battery or a generator.For example, the generator includes those (for example, a hub dynamothat generates power by the rotation of the front wheel 16 or the rearwheel 23, one that serves as an electric motor of a driving source ofthe front wheel 16 or the rear wheel 23 and generates regenerativeelectric power, etc.) that generate power by the running of the bicycle200, those that generate power with sunlight, and the like.

That is, the bicycle 200 is equipped with a braking system 100. Thebraking system 100 includes at least the braking operation part 14, thefront wheel braking part 17, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110,and the power supply unit 180. The braking system 100 is capable ofexecuting an antilock braking control by controlling the hydraulicpressure of brake fluid in the front wheel braking part 17 with thehydraulic pressure control unit 110.

<Configuration of Braking System>

A configuration of a braking system according to an embodiment will bedescribed.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a braking systemaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 has a basebody 120 which will be described later in detail. A master cylinder port121, a wheel cylinder port 122, and an internal flow path 123 forcommunicating the master cylinder port 121 and the wheel cylinder port122 with each other are formed in the base body 120.

The internal flow path 123 has a partial flow path 123A, a partial flowpath 123B, a partial flow path 123C, and a partial flow path 123D. Themaster cylinder port 121 and the wheel cylinder port 122 communicatewith each other via the partial flow path 123A and the partial flow path123B. Further, the portion between an intermediate portion of thepartial flow path 123B and an intermediate portion of the partial flowpath 123A is bypassed via the partial flow path 123C and the partialflow path 123D.

The braking operation part 14 is connected to the master cylinder port121 via a liquid pipe 18. The braking operation part 14 has a brakelever 14A, a master cylinder 14B, and a reservoir 14C. The mastercylinder 14B has a piston part (not shown) which moves in conjunctionwith the operation of the brake lever 14A by a user. The master cylinder14B is connected to an inlet side of the partial flow path 123A via theliquid pipe 18 and the master cylinder port 121. With the movement ofthe piston part, the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid in the partialflow path 123A increases or decreases. Further, the brake fluid for themaster cylinder 14B is accumulated in the reservoir 14C.

The front wheel braking part 17 is connected to the wheel cylinder port122 via a liquid pipe 19. The front wheel braking part 17 has a wheelcylinder 17A and a rotor 17B. The wheel cylinder 17A is attached to alower end portion of the front fork 15 (that is, a portion far from thesteering column 11 than the portion to which the hydraulic pressurecontrol unit 110 is attached). The wheel cylinder 17A has a piston part(not shown) which moves in conjunction with the hydraulic pressure ofthe liquid pipe 19. The wheel cylinder 17A is connected to an outletside of the partial flow path 123B via the liquid pipe 19 and the wheelcylinder port 122. The rotor 17B is held by the front wheel 16 androtates together with the front wheel 16. With the movement of thepiston part, a brake pad (not shown) is pressed against the rotor 17B,thereby braking the front wheel 16.

Further, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 has an inlet valve 131and an outlet valve 132. The inlet valve 131 is provided between anoutlet side of the partial flow path 123A and an inlet side of thepartial flow path 123B, and opens and closes the flow of brake fluidbetween the partial flow path 123A and the partial flow path 123B. Theoutlet valve 132 is provided between an outlet side of the partial flowpath 123C and an inlet side of the partial flow path 123D, and opens andcloses the flow of brake fluid between the partial flow path 123C andthe partial flow path 123D. The hydraulic pressure of brake fluid iscontrolled by the opening and closing operations of the inlet valve 131and the outlet valve 132.

The inlet valve 131 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve which isopened when de-energized. When a first coil 131A as a driving source isin a de-energized state, the inlet valve 131 releases the flow of brakefluid in both directions. Further, when the first coil 131A isenergized, the inlet valve 131 is brought into a closed state to blockthe flow of brake fluid.

The outlet valve 132 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve which isclosed when de-energized. When a second coil 132A as a driving source isin a de-energized state, the outlet valve 132 blocks the flow of brakefluid. Further, when the second coil 132A is energized, the outlet valve132 is brought into an opened state to release the flow of brake fluid.

Further, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 has an accumulator 133.The accumulator 133 is connected to an intermediate portion of thepartial flow path 123D. The brake fluid that has passed through theoutlet valve 132 is stored in the accumulator 133.

Further, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 has a hydraulicpressure sensor 134 for detecting the hydraulic pressure of brake fluidin the wheel cylinder 17A. The hydraulic pressure sensor 134 is providedin the partial flow path 123B or the partial flow path 123C.

Further, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 has a control unit 135.Signals from various sensors such as the hydraulic pressure sensor 134and a wheel speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotational speedof the front wheel 16 are inputted to the control unit 135. Meanwhile,the respective parts of the control unit 135 may be arranged in abundled manner or may be arranged in a distributed manner. For example,the control unit 135 may be configured to include a microcomputer, amicroprocessor unit and the like, or may be configured to include anupdatable firmware or the like, or may be configured to include aprogram module or the like which is executed by a command from a CPU orthe like.

The control unit 135 controls the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid inthe wheel cylinder 17A, i.e., the braking force of the front wheel 16 bycontrolling the opening and closing operations of the inlet valve 131and the outlet valve 132.

For example, when a user brakes the front wheel 16 by operating thebrake lever 14A, the control unit 135 starts an antilock braking controlwhen it is determined from a signal of a wheel speed sensor (not shown)that the front wheel 16 is locked or may be locked.

When the antilock braking control is started, the control unit 135brings the first coil 131A into an energized state to close the inletvalve 131 and blocks the flow of brake fluid from the master cylinder14B to the wheel cylinder 17A, thereby suppressing the pressure increaseof brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 17A. On the other hand, the controlunit 135 brings the second coil 132A into an energized state to open theoutlet valve 132 and allows the flow of brake fluid from the wheelcylinder 17A to the accumulator 133, thereby decreasing the pressure ofbrake fluid in the wheel cylinder 17A. In this way, the locking of thefront wheel 16 is released or avoided. When it is determined from asignal of the hydraulic pressure sensor 134 that the pressure of brakefluid in the wheel cylinder 17A decreases to a predetermined value, thecontrol unit 135 brings the second coil 132A into a de-energized stateto close the outlet valve 132 and, for a short time, brings the firstcoil 131A into a de-energized state to open the inlet valve 131, therebyincreasing the pressure of brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 17A. Thecontrol unit 135 may increase or decrease the pressure of the wheelcylinder 17A only once or may repeat the same multiple times.

When the antilock braking control is ended and the brake lever 14A isreturned, the inside of the master cylinder 14B is brought into anatmospheric pressure state and the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 17Ais returned. Further, due to the occurrence of such atmospheric pressurestate, the brake fluid in the accumulator 133 is returned to the partialflow path 123A.

<Configuration of Hydraulic Pressure Control Unit>

A configuration of a hydraulic pressure control unit of the brakingsystem according to the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hydraulic pressure control unit of thebraking system according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 is a front view of the hydraulic pressure control unit of thebraking system according to the embodiment of the present invention in astate where a fifth surface of a base body is viewed from the front.FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the base body of the hydraulicpressure control unit of the braking system according to the embodimentof the present invention. Meanwhile, FIG. 4 shows a state in which anouter surface of only coil casing 136 is partially broken. Further, inFIGS. 5 and 6, an internal structure of the base body 120 is drawn so asto overlap with the outer shape of the hydraulic pressure control unit110.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110includes the base body 120, the coil casing 136, a connector 137, and acasing cover 138.

The base body 120 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped membermade of, for example, an aluminum alloy. The base body 120 has a firstsurface 120 a serving as an upper surface in a state where the bicycle200 stands upright, a second surface 120 b facing the first surface 120a and serving as a lower surface in a state where the bicycle 200 standsupright, a third surface 120 c having both ends reaching the firstsurface 120 a and the second surface 120 b and serving as one sidesurface in a state where the bicycle 200 standing upright is viewed fromthe front, a fourth surface 120 d facing the third surface 120 c andserving as the other side surface in a state where the bicycle 200standing upright is viewed from the front, a fifth surface 120 e havingboth ends reaching the first surface 120 a and the second surface 120 band serving as a back surface in a state where the bicycle 200 standingupright is viewed from the front, and a sixth surface 120 f facing thefifth surface 120 e and serving as a front surface in a state where thebicycle 200 standing upright is viewed from the front. Meanwhile, eachsurface may be flat, or may have a curved portion, or may have a step.

The master cylinder port 121 is formed in the first surface 120 a of thebase body 120 and the wheel cylinder port 122 is formed in the secondsurface 120 b of the base body 120 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). That is, themaster cylinder port 121 and the wheel cylinder port 122 are formed onseparate surfaces of the base body 120 facing each other.

An inlet valve hole 124 to which the inlet valve 131 is attached and anoutlet valve hole 125 to which the outlet valve 132 is attached areformed in the third surface 120 c of the base body 120 (see FIGS. 5 and6). Valve bodies (not shown) of the inlet valve 131 and the outlet valve132 are located in the internal flow path 123 of the base body 120.Further, the first coil 131A serving as a driving source of the inletvalve 131 and the second coil 132A serving as a driving source of theoutlet valve 132 are attached in a state where their axial directionsface the valve bodies (not shown). The first coil 131A and the secondcoil 132A are held in a state where one ends thereof are in contact withthe base body 120 and the other ends protrude from the third surface 120c of the base body 120. That is, the first coil 131A and the second coil132A are erected on the third surface 120 c. A connecting terminal (plusterminal and minus terminal) 131At is erected on an end portion of thefirst coil 131A on the side protruding from the third surface 120 c. Aconnecting terminal (plus terminal and minus terminal) 132At is erectedon an end portion of the second coil 132A on the side protruding fromthe third surface 120 c. The connecting terminal 131At and theconnecting terminal 132At are inserted into through-holes formed in acircuit board 135A constituting at least a part of the control unit 135and are electrically connected to the circuit board 135A.

Further, an accumulator hole 126 is formed in the second surface 120 bof the base body 120 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A bottom portion of theaccumulator hole 126 communicates with the internal flow path 123 of thebase body 120. Respective members (for example, a plunger, a compressionspring, a hole cover, etc.) constituting the accumulator 133 areattached to the inside of the accumulator hole 126 to constitute theaccumulator 133. That is, the accumulator 133 is provided on the secondsurface 120 b.

Further, a hydraulic pressure sensor hole 127 is formed in the thirdsurface 120 c of the base body 120 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The hydraulicpressure sensor 134 is attached to the hydraulic pressure sensor hole127. In this state, one end of the hydraulic pressure sensor 134 islocated in the internal flow path 123 of the base body 120. Further, theother end of the hydraulic pressure sensor 134 is electrically connectedto the circuit board 135A.

The coil casing 136 is made of, for example, resin. The coil casing 136has a shape covering the third surface 120 c and the sixth surface 120 fof the base body 120. The coil casing 136 has an internal space whichpenetrates the portion of the coil casing 136 covering at least thethird surface 120 c of the base body 120. In a state where the coilcasing 136 is attached to the base body 120, the first coil 131A, thesecond coil 132A, the hydraulic pressure sensor 134, and the circuitboard 135A are accommodated in the internal space.

In a state where the bicycle 200 stands upright, upper ends of the coilcasing 136 and the circuit board 135A extend above the first surface 120a of the base body 120. The connector 137 is attached to the upper endof the coil casing 136. A connecting terminal 137 t of the connector 137is inserted into a through-hole formed in the circuit board 135A and iselectrically connected to the circuit board 135A. A cable groupincluding signal lines (not shown) of various sensors such as thehydraulic pressure sensor 134 and a wheel speed sensor (not shown) fordetecting the rotational speed of the front wheel 16 and a power supplyline (not shown) extending from the power supply unit 180, and the likeis connected to the connector 137.

The casing cover 138 is attached to the surface of the coil casing 136facing the surface in contact with the third surface 120 c of the basebody 120. In a state where the casing cover 138 is attached to the coilcasing 136, the internal space of the coil casing 136 is hermeticallysealed.

A fixing member 139 for connecting the hydraulic pressure control unit110 to the front fork 15 of the bicycle 200 is joined to the coil casing136 by using a fastener 140. For example, in a state where the bicycle200 standing upright is viewed from the front, a recess extendingsubstantially in an upper and lower direction is formed on a frontsurface 136 a of the coil casing 136. Further, in a state where thebicycle 200 standing upright is viewed from the front, a recessextending substantially in the upper and lower direction is formed on aback surface 139 a of the fixing member 139. Further, a columnar space155 with both ends opened is formed between an inner surface of therecess that is a partial region 151 of an outer surface of the coilcasing 136 and an inner surface of the recess that is a partial region152 of an outer surface of the fixing member 139, so that a mount part150 of the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 to the bicycle 200 isformed. Meanwhile, although FIG. 3 shows a case where the fixing member139 has a block shape, the fixing member 139 may be one or more bands orthe like. That is, the entire of the outer circumference of the columnarspace 155 may not be closed. Further, although FIG. 3 shows a case wherethe recesses are formed in both the front surface 136 a of the coilcasing 136 and the back surface 139 a of the fixing member 139, one orboth of the front surface 136 a of the coil casing 136 and the backsurface 139 a of the fixing member 139 may be flat. That is, thecolumnar space 155 may not have a columnar shape.

Here, a direction in which the first surface 120 a and the secondsurface 120 b of the base body 120 are arranged or a direction in whichthe columnar space 155 extends is defined as a direction D, and thepositional relationship of respective members will be described.Meanwhile, the direction in which the first surface 120 a and the secondsurface 120 b of the base body 120 are arranged is defined as adirection parallel to a straight line intersecting with the firstsurface 120 a and the second surface 120 b. Further, the direction inwhich the columnar space 155 extends is defined as a direction parallelto a straight line intersecting with both end surfaces of the columnarspace 155.

First, the first coil 131A, the second coil 132A, and the hydraulicpressure sensor 134 are arranged side by side along the direction D.That is, the straight line parallel to the direction D intersects withthe first coil 131A, the second coil 132A, and the hydraulic pressuresensor 134. In the direction D, the first coil 131A, i.e., the inletvalve 131 is located closer to the master cylinder port 121 than thesecond coil 132A, i.e., the outlet valve 132. Further, the hydraulicpressure sensor 134 is located closer to the wheel cylinder port 122than the first coil 131A, i.e., the inlet valve 131 and the second coil132A, i.e., the outlet valve 132.

Further, the circuit board 135A is held in a state where its mountingsurface 135Am extends along the direction D. That is, in a state wherethe bicycle 200 stands upright, the circuit board 135A is held in anupright state. In particular, in a state where the bicycle 200 standsupright, it is preferable that the circuit board 135A is held in a statewhere the mounting surface 135Am extends along the direction D andextends along a front and rear direction of the bicycle 200.

Further, the connector 137 is erected in a direction different from thedirection D. That is, the connector 137 is held in a state where theattachment and detachment direction of the cable group connected to theconnector 137 is different from the direction D. In particular, in astate where the bicycle 200 standing upright is viewed from the front,it is preferable that the attachment and detachment direction is asubstantially right and left direction. Further, it is preferable thatthe first coil 131A, the second coil 132A, and the connector 137 areheld in a state where leading ends of the connecting terminal 131At, theconnecting terminal 132At, and the connecting terminal 137 t protrudefrom the same side with respect to the mounting surface 135Am of thecircuit board 135A. Furthermore, in a state where the mounting surface135Am of the circuit board 135A is viewed from the front, it ispreferable that the connector 137 is located on the side where the firstsurface 120 a is located with respect to the first coil 131A and thesecond coil 132A.

<Connection of Hydraulic Pressure Control Unit to Bicycle>

Connection of the hydraulic pressure control unit of the braking systemaccording to the embodiment to a bicycle will be described. FIG. 7 is aperspective view showing a connection state of the hydraulic pressurecontrol unit of the braking system according to the embodiment of thepresent invention to a bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 7, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is held in astate where the front fork 15 of the bicycle 200 is located in thecolumnar space 155 of the mount part 150. That is, the fixing member 139is joined to the coil casing 136 with the front fork 15 sandwichedtherebetween to form the mount part 150. In this way, the hydraulicpressure control unit 110 is joined to the bicycle 200. Meanwhile, in astate where the bicycle 200 standing upright is viewed from the front,the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 may be joined to a first bar 15a extending on the right side of the front wheel 16 of the front fork 15or may be joined to a second bar 15 b extending on the left side of thefront wheel 16 of the front fork 15. Further, the mount part 150 may bedirectly joined to the front fork 15 or may be joined to the front fork15 via an adapter or the like.

In a state where the bicycle 200 standing upright is viewed from thefront, the base body 120 and the coil casing 136 may be located on theback side of the front fork 15. In particular, it is preferable that thehydraulic pressure control unit 110 is attached in a state where thefirst coil 131A, the second coil 132A, the hydraulic pressure sensor134, and the circuit board 135A are located between the base body 120and the front wheel 16. That is, in a state where the bicycle 200standing upright is viewed from the front, it is preferable that thehydraulic pressure control unit 110 is configured so that the first coil131A, the second coil 132A, and the hydraulic pressure sensor 134 areerected on the third surface 120 c that is a left surface of the basebody 120 when the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is attached to thefirst bar 15 a. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connector 137 iserected to the left. Further, in a state where the bicycle 200 standingupright is viewed from the front, it is preferable that the hydraulicpressure control unit 110 is configured so that the first coil 131A, thesecond coil 132A, and the hydraulic pressure sensor 134 are erected onthe third surface 120 c that is a right surface of the base body 120when the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is attached to the secondbar 15 b. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connector 137 iserected to the right.

MODIFICATION

A modification of the hydraulic pressure control unit of the brakingsystem according to the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification of the hydraulicpressure control unit of the braking system according to the embodimentof the present invention.

In the foregoing, the case where the fixing member 139 for joining thehydraulic pressure control unit 110 to the front fork 15 of the bicycle200 is joined to the coil casing 136 has been described. However, asshown in FIG. 8, the fixing member 139 may be joined to the base body120. For example, in a state where the bicycle 200 standing upright isviewed from the front, a recess extending substantially in the upper andlower direction is formed on the sixth surface 120 f that is a frontsurface of the base body 120. Further, in a state where the bicycle 200standing upright is viewed from the front, a recess extendingsubstantially in the upper and lower direction is formed on the backsurface 139 a of the fixing member 139. Further, the columnar space 155with both ends opened is formed between an inner surface of the recessthat is a partial region 153 of an outer surface of the base body 120and an inner surface of the recess that is the partial region 152 of theouter surface of the fixing member 139, so that the mount part 150 ofthe hydraulic pressure control unit 110 to the bicycle 200 is formed.

<Effect of Braking System>

Effects of the braking system according to the embodiment will bedescribed.

In the braking system 100, the fixing member 139 is joined to the coilcasing 136 in a state where the columnar space 155 with both ends openedis formed between the partial region 151 of an outer surface of the coilcasing 136 and the partial region 152 of an outer surface of the fixingmember 139, or the fixing member 139 is joined to the base body 120 in astate where the columnar space 155 with both ends opened is formedbetween the partial region 153 of an outer surface of the base body 120and the partial region 152 of an outer surface of the fixing member 139.That is, in a state where the fixing member 139 is joined to the coilcasing 136 or the base body 120, the columnar space 155 with both endsopened is formed between the partial region 151 or 153 of an outersurface of the coil casing 136 or the base body 120 and the partialregion 152 of an outer surface of the fixing member 139. The hydraulicpressure control unit 110 is joined to the bicycle 200 by using thecolumnar space 155. Therefore, as compared with the case where one endof an adapter is joined to the bicycle 200 and the hydraulic pressurecontrol unit 110 is joined to the other end of the adapter, it ispossible to prevent the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 fromprotruding from the bicycle 200. Generally, the bicycle 200 isconfigured to include many rod-shaped members. Therefore, the connectionusing the columnar space 155 is particularly useful for the case wherethe braking system 100 capable of executing an antilock braking controlis mounted on the bicycle 200.

Preferably, in the braking system 100, the first coil 131A and thesecond coil 132A are arranged side by side along the direction (D) inwhich the columnar space 155 extends. With such a configuration, thefirst surface 120 a and the second surface 120 b of the base body 120are widened, so that an increase in the protruding amount of thehydraulic pressure control unit 110 from the bicycle 200 can besuppressed.

Preferably, in the braking system 100, the circuit board 135A is held ina state where its mounting surface 135Am extends along the direction Din which the columnar space 155 extends. With such a configuration, anincrease in the protruding amount of the hydraulic pressure control unit110 from the bicycle 200 can be suppressed.

Preferably, in the braking system 100, the connector 137 is erected in adirection different from the direction D in which the columnar space 155extends. With such a configuration, when it is necessary to separatelyarrange the cables (for example, a cable extending to the power supplyunit 180 and cables extending to the hydraulic pressure sensor 134 and awheel speed sensor) of the cable group connected to the connector 137 intwo directions opposite to each other along the direction D in which thecolumnar space 155 extends, the cable disposed in either direction isprevented from largely protruding from the bicycle 200. In particular,when the first coil 131A, the second coil 132A, and the connector 137are held in a state where leading ends of the connecting terminals131At, 132At, 137 t protrude from the same side with respect to themounting surface 135Am of the circuit board 135A, the process ofconnecting the first coil 131A, the second coil 132A, and the connector137 to the circuit board 135A can be shortened.

Preferably, in the braking system 100, the hydraulic pressure controlunit 110 is a pump-less type. With such a configuration, the heavyhydraulic pressure control unit 110 is joined to the bicycle 200, whichless affects the travelling performance.

Preferably, the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is joined to thefront fork 15 of the bicycle 200. With such a configuration, whenmounting the braking system 100 capable of executing the antilockbraking control on the bicycle 200, other equipment that should benormally visually perceived by a user can be securely attached to theperiphery of the handle. Further, when it is necessary to connect manyelements disposed near the front wheel 16 of the bicycle 200 to thehydraulic pressure control unit 110, this connection is facilitatedsince the hydraulic pressure control unit 110 is disposed near the frontwheel 16.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the presentinvention is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Forexample, only a part of the description of the embodiments may beimplemented.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: Frame, 10: Turning part, 14: Braking operation part, 14A: Brakelever, 14B: Master cylinder, 14C: Reservoir, 15: Front fork, 16: Frontwheel, 17: Front wheel braking part, 17A: Wheel cylinder, 17B: Rotor,18, 19: Liquid pipe, 23: Rear wheel, 24: Rear wheel braking part, 100:Braking system, 110: Hydraulic pressure control unit, 120: Base body,120 a: First surface, 120 b: Second surface, 120 c: Third surface, 120d: Fourth surface, 120 e: Fifth surface, 120 f: Sixth surface, 121:Master cylinder port, 122: Wheel cylinder port, 123: Internal flow path,124: Inlet valve hole, 125: Outlet valve hole, 126: Accumulator hole,127: Hydraulic Pressure sensor hole, 131: Inlet valve, 131A: First coil,131At: Connecting terminal, 132: Outlet valve, 132A: Second coil, 132At:Connecting terminal, 133: Accumulator, 134: Hydraulic pressure sensor,135: Control unit, 135A: Circuit board, 135Am: Mounting surface, 136:Coil casing, 137: Connector, 137 t: Connecting terminal, 138: Casingcover, 139: Fixing member, 140: Fastener, 150: Mount part, 151, 152,153: Partial region, 155: Columnar space, 180: Power supply unit, 200:Bicycle.

1. A hydraulic pressure control unit (110) of a braking system (100)mounted on a bicycle (200) and capable of executing an antilock brakingcontrol, the hydraulic pressure control unit comprising: a base body(120) in which an internal flow path (123) through which brake liquidflows is formed; an inlet valve (131) which is attached to the base body(120), is opened and closed when the antilock braking control isexecuted, and is driven by a first coil (131A); an outlet valve (132)which is attached to the base body (120), is opened and closed when theantilock braking control is executed, and is driven by a second coil(132A); a coil casing (136) in which the first coil (131A) and thesecond coil (132A) are accommodated; and a fixing member (139), whereinthe fixing member (139) is joined to the coil casing (136) in a statewhere a columnar space (155) with both ends opened is formed between apartial region (151) of an outer surface of the coil casing (136) and apartial region (152) of an outer surface of the fixing member (139), orthe fixing member (139) is joined to the base body (120) in a statewhere a columnar space (155) with both ends opened is formed between apartial region (153) of an outer surface of the base body (120) and thepartial region (152) of the outer surface of the fixing member (139). 2.The hydraulic pressure control unit according to claim 1, wherein thefirst coil (131A) and the second coil (132A) are arranged side by sidealong a direction (D) in which the columnar space (155) extends.
 3. Thehydraulic pressure control unit according to claim 1, further comprisinga circuit board (135A) electrically connected to at least one of thefirst coil (131A) and the second coil (132A), wherein the circuit board(135A) is held in a state where a mounting surface (135Am) of thecircuit board (135A) extends along the direction (D) in which thecolumnar space (155) extends.
 4. The hydraulic pressure control unitaccording to claim 3, further comprising a connector (137) electricallyconnected to the circuit board (135A), wherein the connector (137) iserected in a direction different from the direction (D) in which thecolumnar space (155) extends.
 5. The hydraulic pressure control unitaccording to claim 4, wherein the first coil (131A), the second coil(132A), and the connector (137) are held in a state where leading endsof connecting terminals (131At, 132At, 137 t) to the circuit board(135A) protrude from the same side with respect to the mounting surface(135Am) of the circuit board (135A).
 6. The hydraulic pressure controlunit according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic pressure control unitis a pump-less type.
 7. A braking system comprising the hydraulicpressure control unit (110) according to claim
 1. 8. A bicyclecomprising the braking system (100) according to claim
 7. 9. The bicycleaccording to claim 8, comprising a front fork (15), wherein thehydraulic pressure control unit (110) is joined to the front fork (15)in a state where the front fork (15) is positioned in the columnar space(155).
 10. The hydraulic pressure control unit according to claim 1,wherein the fixing member (139) is joined to the coil casing (136) in astate where a columnar space (155) with both ends opened is formedbetween a partial region (151) of an outer surface of the coil casing(136) and a partial region (152) of an outer surface of the fixingmember (139).
 11. A bicycle comprising a braking system (100) comprisingthe hydraulic pressure control unit according to claim
 10. 12. Thebicycle according to claim 11, comprising a front fork (15), wherein thehydraulic pressure control unit (110) is joined to the front fork (15)in a state where the front fork (15) is positioned in the columnar space(155).
 13. The hydraulic pressure control unit according to claim 1,wherein the fixing member (139) is joined to the base body (120) in astate where a columnar space (155) with both ends opened is formedbetween a partial region (153) of an outer surface of the base body(120) and the partial region (152) of the outer surface of the fixingmember (139).
 14. A bicycle comprising a braking system (100) comprisingthe hydraulic pressure control unit according to claim
 13. 15. Thebicycle according to claim 14, comprising a front fork (15), wherein thehydraulic pressure control unit (110) is joined to the front fork (15)in a state where the front fork (15) is positioned in the columnar space(155).